Please note this is an old page and Fly Global Music has now moved. Please follow this link and search for the entry in the new site.

Movimento is Johnson's third solo album in a career that goes back all the way to 1970, when his then band Sunber released a single 'Friends', curiously featuring The Pointer Sisters on backing vocals. This one is a mix of original compositions and traditional, mainly Brazilian pop tunes. Some are instrumental, and most of the singing is in Portuguese, Johnson's voice harmonising pleasantly with his backing vocalists Jennifer Scott and Kristen Strom.

Novo Tempo is made up in the main of American and Canadian jazz musicians with a Latin American flavour to their playing. A mix of electric and nylon string guitars, various horns and flutes, and piano from Jennifer Scott give the album a rich production, without ever getting overcomplicated and losing its feel of easy naturalness.

The opening number, 'Scotch Baiao', uses a light and breezy Baiao rhythm, popular in Brazil in the 1950s. Johnson and Scott scat sing exultantly and the whole thing is as cheerful and carefree as a summer Friday night dance at a riverside cafe, and sets the tone for the fun and gentle escapism that is to follow.

'Movimento', which follows immediately, is a striking contrast; a ballad and meditation on the wonders of nature. The third track, 'Exceto Nos', is a complete change of mood again. The band are now in slow dance mode, for a seductive and charming love duet between Johnson and Jennifer Scott. As with many of the songs on Movimento, the band build up the passion in their playing slowly and masterfully.

At some parts of Movimento, most notably in the lonely 'Silent Heart' or the prayer-like 'Remembrance', the tone is soft and thoughtful, while up-tempo dance numbers like 'O Bom Alvinho' are pure fun.

Movimento has a gentle charm that takes the grey out winter skies and lets in some Brazilian warmth and sunshine. A real treat to listen to.